​Earlier this week I wrote a post about maintaining your relationship with your husband once a baby comes into the picture. The conversation quickly turned to money and happiness. I was a bit disappointed in this (though, I guess it is the world we live in). My post had no mention of money and not one of the tips I gave required money. It seemed that people were applying because one has money they automatically are happy and have everything comes easy. This saddened me; they are implying that a healthy and happy life is reserved for the uber rich. That is insane! Every single one of us can live whatever life we want, and if you are not, I promise you that the issue is more mental than it is financial.

​"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recongnising & appreciating what we do have."​

So today's post is all about happiness, which is fitting because Monday was International Day of Happiness. A lot of people take a look at my Instagram feed or blog and think that I must not have a problem in the world. They think because we have money then we must or should be happy, happy, happy all the time. When I am indeed happy most of the time, I can tell you it has nothing to do with my circumstance. I pride myself in making the best of any situation, which makes "being happy" come easier. This is not something new for me, I have been like this since I was a young adult. Ten years ago I was fresh out of college, working two jobs trying to pay off my student loans, and guess what? I am no happier now than I was then. So when I come off as not having a problem in the world, that is just me making the best of things. I am not going to through the list of things in my life that are currently going wrong, or that I wish I could change. I am not going to focus or give my energy to negatively. Instead, I am going to focus on the positive and try to share how we can all be a little bit happier in our lives.

An interesting fact that I heard on Wednesday was that the United States (one of the richest countries on earth) is no longer on the list of the top 10 happiest countries. Interesting, so even though they have all that money they still are not happy?There are thousands of studies out there that get down to the nitty-gritty of happiness, and guess what every single study has in common? They all conclude that money does not create happiness. So what does?I found a great article on this subject from Berkeley Wellness. They say that "Researchers think of happiness as having satisfaction and meaning in your life. It’s the propensity to feel positive emotions, the capacity to recover from negative emotions quickly, and holding a sense of purpose. Happiness is not having a lot of privilege or money. It’s not constant pleasure. It’s a broader thing: Our ability to connect with others, to have meaningful relationships, to have a community. Time and again—across decades of research and all studies—people who say they’re happy have strong connections with community and with other people. That’s sort of the recipe for happiness."So how does money come in to play? Well, they addressed that as well, "The assumption used to be, yes; more money will make people happier. But we actually have good data on that over the past 100 years. From the 1920s to the 1950s—an era of depression and world war—as household income rose there was an increase in people’s self-reported happiness. But then the line just tapered off. Studies show that money increases happiness when it takes people from a place where there are real threats—poverty—to a place that is reliably safe. After that, money doesn’t matter much. Research by the Nobel laureate psychologist and economist Daniel Kahneman showed that money increases happiness until about $75,000 annually, and after that our emotional well-being doesn’t increase with income."

So what makes us happy? From all the research out there it comes down to human connection and community. "Life circumstances—how privileged you are, whether you’re married, whether you have kids—accounts for about 10 percent of the variance in happiness. She attributes 40 percent—nearly half the variance—to our daily life experiences. The people you see, the activities you do, how you see your world each day."

So what can you do today to get happy today?

Exercise more - they say just 7 minutes a day in enough to improve our mood!

Help others - It can be as little as holding a door for someone.

Sleep more - you will be less sensitive to negative emotion. I wish this one were possible for me ;)

Spend time with friends and family

Go outside - If you can handle the cold. I find just stepping outside and taking a few deep breaths can greatly improve how I am feeling.

Meditate - I use the app 'Headspace' for guided meditation.

Create a more serene environment - This can be as simple as lighting a candle.

Act happy (fake it until you make it)

Start a one-line-a-day gratitude journal

Donate something

Lastly, I want to touch on the power of positive thinking.You need to be conscious of what you are thinking and saying, even to yourself. What is in your mind will sink down into your heart. Negative thoughts, words, and attitude create negative and unhappy feelings, moods and behavior. If you want to be a positive, happy, kind, loving person, it all starts with your thoughts!This can be hard to change overnight, so one thing you can work on today is just being aware when a negative thought enters your mind. Once you are aware of it you can replace it with a constructive one. As you do this over and over again it will eventually train your mind to think positively and ignore negative thoughts.

exactly i do agree ang sometimes bc i grew up privileged my dad paid myuniv and we went t o private schools and i never saw my mom that happy..

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accoutingtaxtimesoon

3/23/2017 06:39:57 am

Money is figures and figures go on forever. So if you spend your whole life trying to find happiness through money then your search for happiness will never end. well written ang i do think u are a good role model to women. thank u

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Patricia Santini

3/23/2017 06:41:27 am

Thank you for this article. You are absolutely right and it is up to each and everyone of us to make our own happiness. I try to do this every day. And don't listen to the negative comments. Jealousy brings out the worst in people.

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Jill

3/23/2017 06:43:19 am

❤

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Erika

3/23/2017 06:44:59 am

Very wise words- and all so true!

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Mary

3/23/2017 06:47:03 am

Great post...and so much worth in those points you stated. Simple, easy, and effective... they truly do work as I live by most. What a good night sleep can do for the mind and perspective....
As a side, I commend you for continually going above the criticism and posting your posts. You exude a vulnerability yet strength to do what you're passionate about. Your time and insight to do what you do is appreciated by those who follow you. To the negative comments that creep up... I truly believe they are kind reminders of your purpose: the power to rise above and share your truth. I know I look forward to many more.....

Thank you for this post and totally agree. For me trying to not focus on the negative is my new goal. It really bugs me how people treat each other these days. Trying to let things roll off my back more and be a good example. Plus as someone who lost a lot of loved ones early in life I can tell you that money does NOT buy happiness. People and experiences, and lots of love make happiness!

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chirokate

3/23/2017 06:57:56 am

What a great way to take all that negativity from your last post and spin it into something so positive and helpful! I was tempted to write a comment on the last one and just couldn't get involved in the insanity! Why comment if you don't like or agree with the content, just pass on by! Thank you Angela, your strength and passion to keep sharing with us despite negativity is so admirable.

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Christina

3/23/2017 07:22:14 am

I totally agree! As a social worker I have found the same info to be true in my studies as well. I remember Robin William saying the saddest feeling is being surrounded by people but feeling alone (key is having healthy relationships). I also remember reading about so many other celebrities or successful people having finally reached their goal and it not making them happy. Happiness is so much more than one circumstance or one goal or one relationship. I also believe that Faith is so important :)

Christina

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Corrie Butler

3/23/2017 07:23:47 am

Don't people know? Mo money, mo problems! Money is nice, but happiness radiates from so much more! We're on the path to becoming debt free, which means broke as can be each month. That doesn't take away my joy. A bit stressful, indeed. But doesn't determine my state of mind!

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Tiffany Laurie

3/23/2017 07:33:48 am

24 years ago my husband and I were new parents very young. We were scared and broke and lived in a tiny one bedroom basement apartment. We had nothing. But we did have each other and even now when we look back to our beginning we still think of it as some of the best times we have ever had. We are in a nice home now, make good livings and have two sons and the best times of our lives have nothing to do with income. Money seems to only draw lines for us. people expect us to do more , pay more, absorb more costs and some treat us poorly as a result of our living. Some of the best moments in my life had no financial help at all. The first kiss my husband gave me, the first time I seen and heard my sons smile and laugh for the first time. The day my mother was told she was cancer free. Cooking with my grandparents. Those are the moments I take with me.

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Sarah

3/23/2017 07:33:53 am

Thank you so much for sharing. I love how you can connect to anybody and everybody no matter what their season is. No matter their income. You make the negative into a positive and that's something that we always need a little reminder on. So thank you for sharing your thoughts :)

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Gisela (well said)

3/23/2017 07:37:03 am

Your post just made me smile brightly. It's already spring time and the snow and cold temperatures say otherwise. But I won't let that bring me down. What helps me perk up is music. As soon as I wake up in turn up my favorite tunes. Especially a song you haven't heard in a long time brings a sudden change in mood. Even if it's the chessiest one hit wonder.

Turn up the volume and dance around the house! 🎶🎶🎶

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Nadia

3/23/2017 08:02:47 am

love this. Happiness had everything to do with the choices you make and doesn't mean it's easy! My husband decided to go back to school full time, we have an 11month old and baby#2 on the way so this is definitely affecting our finances. We're basically living on my mat leave salary but does that makes me unhappy? Of course not! It's not easy either, but I am so surrounded by love and I chose to focus on that: the positive!

Love how positive you are and use your influence to spread that! ❤

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Lana

3/23/2017 08:06:13 am

Totally agree Angela 🙋🏻 I have always been known as " Happy" Lana, and my life has definitely not been easy. That being said life is definitely what you make it. Obviously money helps with material things, but money can also be the root of all evil. Daily gratitude affirmations are essential to a happier life 💖
Love your post

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Flora

3/23/2017 08:25:32 am

Thanks for spreading your positive message Angela!

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Olya

3/23/2017 09:02:47 am

Totally agree! When I was a teenager getting my first job and super eager to start earning money, my father told me to be careful and not get caught up in " keeping up with the Joneses". He said " there will always be a better car, someone will always have a better house and go on better vacation. Don't loose your happiness over it". Also I think a lot of people wait for something (new job, marriage, baby) or someone (boyfriend, boss) to make them happy and don't try to find happiness within. I've learnt that happiness is definitely a choice. We are all dealt different cards, but it's what you're going to make of it. So spot on Angela! Stay happy and ignore Nay sayers.

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Deborah

3/23/2017 10:01:35 am

Well done Angela, I really enjoy the way you write. I'm a grandmother of two with the third on her way in July, and I'll encourage my daughter to start reading your blog.

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Julie

3/23/2017 12:50:38 pm

Feeling encouraged with what you have written today. I am trying to make the best of a hard situation that I have been going through. I do try to think positively, and always realize that there is always someone else out there in a much worse situation. Enjoy your blog, keep up the good work!

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Julie

3/23/2017 01:37:38 pm

I've read last week’s post and all the nutty off-topic comments associated. I wanted to comment because it actually got me down but felt I had no words for the craziness.
Brilliant and beautiful response to the sad comments people were making (and by sad I actually felt sorry for them, though the mean-ness and anger you can actually detect the misery between the lines-people must not have love in their lives). Happiness is uncomfortable for so many people, it’s almost as though people get 'stuck,' in their unhappiness which often turns to jealousy. I find people get so comfortable in that realm. If they were to start being happy some big life changes would need to happen-and that's scary (like going to counselling, practicing acceptance, setting boundaries for negative family members, breaking up with a boyfriend who deep down you know is not right) so quite literally there is a fear of being happy. I've had to downplay happiness so many times in front of family and friends as it leads to resentment. If I'm (in a humble way believe me) saying something simple like my husband and I went on a nice long walk together the other day, people have made comments like ‘must be nice,’ ‘the honeymoon stage will soon be over.’ I'm quiet to begin with, but I know around certain people I just keep my mouth shut about anything positive in my life. This says something quite sad about our world. Angela, I applaud this post, it really is the secret to health, well-being and living a good life. As the saying goes, 'happiness is a choice,' it’s so very, very true. Only you can create your own happiness and it takes practice to re-train your brain. Look at all of the negativity in the news-why? It sells! So sad. I started meditating using an app in January and love it. I work on happiness each day. The most important thing is to keep going even when you fall off the bandwagon. Usually If I fail at some type of change there is a lesson- there is a reason for everything and the 'try,' in 'try again,' is what really matters. Angela you have replaced how bad I felt about people's nonsense with a positive post so for me you’re just practicing the 'it's all in how you look at it,' approach. I'm happy because of this happy post!!!

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Amy

3/23/2017 02:07:30 pm

Great post, Angela! This is information that everyone should apply to his/her own life. I would also like to add that every tip you listed above can be used to fight off depression. I know from personal experience. This post has so much helpful information for anyone, no matter the current level of happiness in his/her life.
Thank you for sharing and I know this will help a lot of people!

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Hockey mom

3/24/2017 08:13:16 am

Having more money allows one the freedom to not worry about paying bills and such. It allows you the freedom to do things that you cannot do with limited finances. Private healthcare, the best schools, the list goes on. And those things indeed can bring much happiness, however they cannot bring inner peace. There is a scripture that states, What does it profit a man or woman to gain the whole word yes lose your soul? For me it's all about faith. Without that I'd be lost. It carries me through every situation with or without money.

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Julie

3/24/2017 08:21:39 am

I cannot believe the horrible comments that I am reading here. Please refrain from writing things about a woman that you honestly know nothing about. Do you really think that all women involved with professional athletes are a bunch of airheads? The world is a very sad place indeed.

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thestefgirlunderthetree

3/25/2017 03:16:12 pm

lee u know what u come here bashing ppl and look how spoiled and privilege u and ur sister and brothers were and ur dad had a nice business.. provided.. u had ur educated and masters degrees all paid for.. must be nice too lee..so shu tup u spoiled brat u have a nice career now bc of ur father and what he provided..id like to see u working two jobs and going to school and then u wouldnt be getting all A's like u did without working shit jobs to pay for ur edu.. and u know it.. and yea u did well and ur sister s didnt become much bc they were spoiled and bro but u did work hard im just saying dont negate the fact that u didnt grow up privilege and ur dad's connections to get u that nice cush y acct job in gov at the shcool bc of franca .. dont forget what u had to get there..jut saying dnt be bashing a fuking hockey wife.. ur with a loser bf dump him dont stay with him bc he is cute maybe if u were nice u can get a good guy but u seem to always date losers so shut up dont complian and make ur own happiness

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fanthegitl

3/25/2017 03:20:42 pm

and all ur nice perks ur job offers u owe it all to franca

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Randi

3/25/2017 06:25:54 pm

My husband and I aren't rich. We can afford our house, have one car payment and can put food on the table. And we're so happy. But to be honest, having a little bit more money would be nice. To be able to take a vacation with our family regularly would be amazing. It's hard because my kids are 16 and 13 and I know that by the time I blink, they'll be grown and gone. To be able to spend more quality vacation time with the - that's something I think money would help. Definitely.

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Ann

3/27/2017 06:05:44 pm

Wow Angela, you are truly amazing ! Great post

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babymachines

3/28/2017 06:24:50 am

ur all golddigging baby machines lol

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agree

4/3/2017 06:32:17 pm

Couldn't agree more!👍

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Tracey S (thestampinlab)

3/28/2017 07:14:58 am

Well said Angela! So very true. I love your blog:)
Have a fantastic day!

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Jennifer

3/29/2017 08:22:42 pm

Love it. Thanks for sharing. Well said and great tips. ❤

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Ashleigh

4/3/2017 06:12:01 pm

Such a classy and well written response to some pretty rude people. Honestly if money solved everything, why would so many rich and famous people get divorced?

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Amy

4/5/2017 01:35:28 pm

Thank you for your transparency.. such truth in what you have shared! Many Blessings

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Stephanie

4/21/2017 04:53:08 pm

It always amazes me when people think money will bring them happiness. My husband and I have absolutely nothing. We live very simple lives and we don't buy what we can't afford. We lives our lives for experiences and not materialism and we couldn't be happier. It's easy to look at what people have and be envious but everyone needs to remember they're more than likely in a pile of debt and worried about all the things they have to lose. Is that happiness? Not to me. Nice to see others that are grounded no matter their financial situation. Like you said Angela, it's what you make of it.

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Michaela

4/25/2017 01:03:19 pm

Thank you for this post Angela! I have been so wrapped up lately with my rent going up, unstable housing, saving etc etc... The list goes on that I let my money worries consume me. I just kept thinking how I didn't have enough I wasn't doing well enough, that I just wish I could be more stable. Reading your comment that you are no more happy now then when you fresh out of college with loans really made me think. Weeks later after reading this post I still kept thinking about it and it has helped ground me. Happiness cannot wait and it won't just magically be achieved when I have a certain number in my bank account. Thank you for the reminder truly.